Red Sox Get Extremely Surprising, Positive Injury Update With Opening Day Quickly Approaching

Boston got some good news Monday afternoon

Opening Day is right around the corner and the Boston Red Sox may have one expected regular back in the lineup much earlier than expected. 

New Boston designated hitter Justin Turner has missed some time after he got hit by a pitch in the face and needed 16 stitches, but somehow he's already back doing baseball activities and may even play in a Grapefruit League contest this week, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.  

Justin Turner had another day of baseball activities and said he's doing well. There's no timetable but it doesn't seem unreasonable to think he will get back in a game later this week

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 13, 2023

Turner was hit by a fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning under his left eye and somehow was able to walk away without any fractures, or missing teeth. He began light baseball activities Sunday -- just six days after getting hit by the pitch -- and continued his progression Monday. 

The Boston slugger is just as surprised as anyone about his quick return.

“Are you surprised? I’m just as surprised as you are, probably,” Turner said as transcribed by MLB.com's Ian Browne. “This is the second time I’ve got hit in the face. I got hit back in 2003 in the College World Series, and same thing, laceration, no breaks. So I don't know why I've been so lucky, but I know I'm very lucky and thankful that it was as minor as it was considering I got hit in the face.

“Not even a loose tooth. I thought something would at least be a little loose. They did say I have a dent in my cheek. No breaks, but a dent.”

Turner's quick return is the perfect news for Red Sox Nation. Hopefully he's able to stay track and get back on the field with the big league club very soon.

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